Alfriston

Debbie Greenfield

CELEBRATE ALFRISTON: There is so much to appreciate in the Cuckmere Valley and Alfriston. This weekend we are celebrating our Downland village and its rich history by launching the restoration of St Andrews. Join the village tomorrow, Saturday, from 10am to 5pm admission is free. We start in the War Memorial Hall with a variety of arts, crafts and local groups demonstrating their skills and inviting you to get involved. The Heritage Centre upstairs at The Gun Room has displays and talks from our South Downs National Park Ranger and Richard James, Rathfinnys Environmental Officer. They with local walking companies will entice you to #getoutexplore the area. From 11am there will be historical talks by Kevin Gordon and tours of St Andrews. Music will play on through the day. Delicious homemade refreshments will be served. At 2.30pm The Eastbourne Scottish Pipe Band will invite you into the church for the launch announcement and wine and nibbles. For more information visit the village website http://www.alfriston-village.co.uk/#!alfriston-restoration/suihf.

RESTORATION SERVICE: All villagers and visitors are invited to a truly special service to celebrate Alfriston Village and St Andrews Church on Sunday at 11am.

APPRECIATE LITERATURE: You may have read that Much Ado have acquired the extensive library of Denis and Edna Healey. Some books are already displayed but there are many more. There is the chance to see this library displayed together in The Barn at Much Ado at a preview event on Saturday April 16 between 1pm and 4pm. The library covers all manner of topics from history and literature to illustrated volumes, cartoons, art, photography, the Bloomsbury Group and more. I must confess I have had a sneaky preview and there are a number of local history books I covet. Priced from £10, the books represent one of the finest libraries seen and like all great libraries they offer a glimpse of Denis and Edna’s lives, personalities and tastes.

TALK: Appreciate Architecture and History. Who builds stronger, the mason, shipwright or carpenter? If you are interested in the answer join this talk and exploration of a Wealden Hall House with historic buildings consultant Stephen Gray. Learn about the structure and life in a hall house. This is the first in a series of three talks. Clergy House 10.30am to 1pm on Thursday, £10. 01323 871961.

APPRECIATE THE BELLS: To celebrate the 120th anniversary there will be a full peal attempt on the bells in St Andrews April 16. They will start ringing at 10am and if successful it will take nearly three hours. You are invited to watch and find out about the bells and the bell ringing connection to the Clergy House. Refreshments will be available.

APPRECIATE MUSIC: April is Jazz Appreciation Month. Internationally-acclaimed jazz singer/pianist Neal Richardson, performs at the grand piano in the Dining Room at Deans Place Hotel every Friday at 7.30pm, with occasional special guests, to accompany their usual restaurant dinner service. Contact them on 01323 870248. On Friday April 22, The Star Inn will host Music From the Sofa in addition to their monthly folk sing around with Andy and Mac on April 12. The Croakers, the village barbershop group, gave such a fabulous performance at St Andrews on Monday that they will appearing by popular demand during the summer months, the first Monday of every month 10.30am to 11.30am. Any proceeds will go to the restoration. Next appearing May 2.

BOOT FAIR & SUSSEX CELEBRATIONS: Now spring has sprung have you had a clear out to make room for your new hobby and need to find new homes for your past treasures? Put this date in your diary. A boot fair will be held on the Rec on June 11. Sellers from 7.30am and buyers from 8am. £8 per table and parking is £2 all day. Pay on day. Once you have sold your wares you can continue to park on the Rec and enjoy Sussex Day in the village. Contact the events team via the website for more information http://www.alfriston-village.co.uk/#!alfriston-village-contact-us/c2ua

ALFRISTON LABYRINTH FESTIVAL: Cannot happen without a Labyrinth. This will be sited on the grass area between the church and river. The setting out will take place next week April 14, ground conditions permitting. Once set the labyrinth paths will be regularly mown and the strips allowed to grow. Arrangements for the festival June 11 to 18 are taking shape and details will be published on the village website amongst other media. Workshops, talks, exhibitions, short films, interviews will culminate in a final concert in St Andrews on Saturday June 18. Do watch the website and book early for workshops.

There is a lot of celebration and appreciation of what this village has and we hope you will join us.

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